Pfizer Sues Pumpkin Seed Oil Maker Over Viagra
3 CommentsBy Ed Silverman // November 17th, 2008 // 7:47 am
The latest instance in which the drugmaker vigorously defends trademarks involves an Austrian pumpkin seed oil producer, who faces possible legal action over his “Styriagra” chocolate-coated pumpkin seeds, according to Agence France Presse.
Pfizer reportedly finds that Richard Mandl’s light blue-glazed candies, which are oval in size, too closely resemble the little blue impotence pill, both in name and color. But Mandl, who has already registered the trademark, argues the name is simply a combination of the words Styria - the southern Austrian province, known for its pumpkin seed oil, where Mandl works - and “agra,” referring to agricultural or organic products.
Pfizer reportedly wants $45,640 in damages. Blue, meanwhile, was the only color he had not yet used for his chocolate-coated seeds, AFP reports. Pfizer, you may recall, is embroiled in another odd trademark battle over Viagra. The drugmaker recently filed suit against a little-known company called JetAngel after placing the Viva Viagra logo on a missile that was paraded through Manhattan.
KwadGuy
The thing is: Patent law requires companies to vigorously defend their trademarks and patents, even in what seem to be frivolous cases, or otherwise risk losing their rights. That’s why, e.g., you get Pfizer suing that company over the parade.
Typically, these lawsuits are settled amicably with an agreement to cease and desist.
Ed Silverman
Hi KwadGuy,
Understood. And I wasn’t suggesting this approach was right or wrong, legally or otherwise, but decided to post because I found this example interesting and offbeat.
Cheers
ed
Kirby
Did Pfizer also sue some of it’s sales reps for giving out jars of light blue jelly beans with a Viagra sticker on it to Drs. offices?
Just curious.